One morning while sipping a cup of Earl Grey, I got into a heated discussion with a very educated Christian homeless man about prayer in schools. Now, if that doesn't get your writing brain cells in gear, I'm not sure what will! Another time I sat at the window watching the world stride by me as ideas and characters came to life in my head. My preference is to write by hand as I feel like I'm missing out on an integral part of the writing process if I skip right to the laptop.

Of course, The Wild Oat is only one of a handful of fantastic places to write in Ottawa and the surrounding area. Kaffe 1870 in Wakefield, Quebec used to be a great place to write until I got to know the regulars all too well. Now it's the Cheers of the area and when I go, I leave my writing in the car!

Wow...this doesn't look like the busiest of threads, but I'll jump in anyway.

Name of City/Town (and country): Canterbury, England

Name of Hot Spot: the whole area

What makes this spot so great for writers? Within 20 miles of my home, I can stroll through Canterbury Cathedral where Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170, visit Roman graves from the first century, walk down roads that are older than 2000 years, see houses that have been continuously inhabited for hundreds of years, visit castles that still have furnishings from hundreds of years ago, retrace the steps of centuries of kings and queens, and ..... well, you get the picture. I'm originally from Texas but have been here now for seven years, and every day I find one new thing that takes my breath away. The sight of Canterbury Cathedral as I drive to the grocery store still makes my eyes water. It's magnificent.

Not that I'm an international Forumista, but I've spent a good deal of time writing overseas since I started writing for a living a four years ago.

No place on earth gets my juices (writing and otherwise) flowing like the islands of Greece, particularly some of the less touristed ones (e.g. Folegandros, southern coast of Crete, Naxos, Sifinos, etc.). The people are terrific, the food (and drink!) is the best, and the prices can't be beat. Last trip (2 months) we averaged less than $100 total per day for the two of us (lodging, all meals, local transportation, incidentals, sightseeing, etc.) I got a lot writing done, although sometimes the Ouzo made it seem a little more brilliant than it seemed once I sobered up. And, you talk about economizing, there are lots of gorgeous beaches to write on where you don't even have the added expense of a swimsuit.

Name of City/Town (and country): Toronto
Name of Hot Spot: Toronto Writers' Centre
What makes this spot so great for writers? Comfortable, distraction-free, workspace; Lounge, boardroom and kitchen; Wireless Internet; Laser printer; Networking with local and international writers (many of who are well known and willing to help new writers.) And the workshops held there are worth much more than their cost.

Jim, thanks so much for posting that! I'm in Toronto and have been sort of going it alone (outside of Nano, really the only time I got together with local writers). I'd no idea about the Toronto Writers' Centre and will definitely check it out!

Jim, thanks so much for posting that! I'm in Toronto and have been sort of going it alone (outside of Nano, really the only time I got together with local writers). I'd no idea about the Toronto Writers' Centre and will definitely check it out!